Jimmy Kimmel reacts as Guillermo Rodriguez joins 'Dancing with the Stars' season 35

Guillermo Rodriguez, the longtime sidekick of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, is officially heading to the ballroom for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars — a move that quickly drew a humorous on-air reaction from his boss.

The announcement came during the June 17 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where Kimmel set up what he teased as a major celebrity reveal before introducing Rodriguez, 55, as the newest contestant.

“This person is someone you know, someone you love, he’s someone we know quite well,” Kimmel told the audience, before Rodriguez appeared onstage in a flashy blue outfit.

Kimmel, 58, then confirmed the news with his signature comedic twist, joking that Rodriguez would become “the first ever parking lot security guard to dance with the stars.”

“Don’t lose a single adorable pound, okay? Do you promise?” Kimmel added during the segment.

Rodriguez replied in characteristically lighthearted fashion: “I promise. If I lose five pounds, I’m gonna gain 10 pounds right away.”

Rodriguez’s casting continues a long-running on-air dynamic between the pair, dating back to his early days working as a security guard outside Kimmel’s studio before becoming his right-hand man and on-screen correspondent. 

Over the years, he has become a fan-favorite for his recurring segments, including appearances at the Oscars and coverage of major sporting events.

His addition to Season 35 places him alongside previously announced contestants, including Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson, Summer House star Ciara Miller, and The Traitors finalist Maura Higgins. 

The full celebrity and professional dancer lineup is set to be revealed on September 2 on Good Morning America.

The upcoming season follows a record-breaking year for the franchise, which saw hundreds of millions of viewer votes across its most recent finale. Season 34 was won by Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson.

Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars is set to premiere this fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu.